Toshiba has developed the world's first eco-friendly multifunction printer which can erase text and images on printed documents and thus allow paper to be reused.

Toshiba has developed the world's first eco-friendly multifunction printer which can erase text and images on printed documents and thus allow paper to be reused.

The e-STUDIO 306LP/RD30 printer employs a special toner which produces an erasable colour, which is removed from paper when passed through at a high temperature.

The result is that paper can be reused multiple times, instead of binned after a document is no longer needed. A page recycled five times would result in a 57 percent reduction in CO2 emissions for the entire printer system. It will also save businesses a significant amount in paper costs.

Toshiba claims it has always attempted to produce eco-friendly printing options, reducing the size and weight of printers, as well as making them more energy efficient, but the ability to reuse paper marks a major step forward.

The printer is also made using bio-based plastics instead of traditional petroleum-based plastics, further reducing the device's carbon footprint by 20 percent.

The e-STUDIO 306LP/RD30 launches in Japan in February 2013, with a worldwide launch planned for soon after.